After he celebrated his last Divine Liturgy in the St. Vladimir's Seminary Chapel on Thanksgiving Day of 1983--he fell asleep in the Lord shortly thereafter--Fr. Alexander Schmemann called upon all there gathered to lift up this prayer with him:

Everyone capable of thanksgiving is capable of salvation and eternal joy.

Thank You, O Lord, for having accepted this Eucharist, which is offered to the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and which filled our hearts with "the joy, peace, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit."

Thank You, O Lord, for having revealed Yourself unto us and for giving us the foretaste of Your Kingdom.

Thank You, O Lord, for having united us to one another, in serving You and Your Holy Church.

Thank You, O Lord, for having helped us to overcome all difficulties, tensions, passions, and temptations and for having restored peace, mutual love, and joy in sharing the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Thank You, O Lord, for the sufferings you bestowed upon us, for they are purifying us from selfishness and remind us of the "one thing needed: Your eternal Kingdom."

Thank You, O Lord, for having given us this country were we are free to worship You.

Thank You, O Lord, for this school, where the name of God is proclaimed.